Abstract

Background

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty using the data presented in recently published papers with respect to pain relief, function, complication rate, and incidence of new vertebral fractures.

Methods

Detailed searches for English-language and German-language articles published between 2002 and 2009 were performed in a number of electronic databases. Because of the large number of case series, we considered only systematic reviews and controlled studies. The internal validity of reviews and studies was judged by two authors independently. Data extraction was performed by one author, and extracted data were checked for completeness and correctness by a second author.

Results

A total of eight systematic reviews, primarily summarizing results from case series, and 11 controlled studies, two of which were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), were included. Both kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty significantly reduce pain in the majority of patients and can lead to short-term and possibly long-term improvement of function. Kyphoplasty induces fewer clinically relevant complications than vertebroplasty does, and there is presently stronger evidence for its efficacy compared with vertebroplasty. There is inconclusive evidence about the risk of new fractures after kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty.

Conclusion

Both procedures seem to be equally effective, but kyphoplasty is safer than vertebroplasty. New results, specifically from RCTs comparing the two procedures, are needed to provide more definitive data.